Guairá Department
Encyclopedia
Guairá is a department
in Paraguay
. The capital is the city of Villarrica
.
It covers a surface of 3846 km² (1,484.9 sq mi), with a population of 178130 inhabitants (2002).
You can get there through the Road nª8 Blas Garay. It was founded on May 14, 1570, by Ruiz Diaz de Melgarejo.
on the east of the Paraguay river until the line of the Tratado de Tordesillas. This place was also site of the first great jesuists missions of Guayra, having the borders around the north limits, the Paranapanema river, or according to other versions, the Tiete river, and the Iguazu river on the south.
So, it used to be called Guayra o Guaira, to the big territory that nowadays corresponds to the state of Parana, around the 16th and 18th centuries, there were cities which were founded by Spanish people (Ontiveros, Ciudad Real del Guayra, Villa Rica del Espiritu Santo) and some reductions founded by Jesuits, also under the Spanish jurisdiction, such as San Ignacio Guazu, Santa Maria del Iguazu
(actual Foz do Iguacu
) Pirapo
, Loreto,etc.
Such cities were devastated by the malocas of bandeirantes ensalveries from São Paulo
, having to migrate great part of the population to the west of the Parana river (were Villa Rica was re founded-the actual Villarica-) or to the south of the Iguazu river (were San Ignacio was re founded-with the name of San Ignacio Mini- and Loreto among others).
The Salto del Guayra (or Salto Canendiyu-called by the Brazilians Salto das Sete Quedas, on the Paraná River
, almost to the crossing with the parallel 24ªS, was the natural limit of the navegation of good depth of the river. Actually the Paraguayan city called Salto del Guaira, and the Brazilian Guaira, indicate approximately the place where such fall, beautiful and known, covered by the waters of the Itaipu Dam, since the 1980s.
The Brazilian occupation on the region of the Guaira was concentrated in 1870, at the end of the War of the Triple Alliance
, being later baptized with the name of Guaira, to the small department located in the center of the Oriental Region, in a territory which was not included in the original Guayra.
, with 848 m, the highest of the country. The Guaira is surrounded by the Tebicuary river and its affluents, the Tebicuari-mi with the streams Yhaca Guazu, Yhaca-mi, Aguapety, Guazu, Tacuaras. Also the Pirapo-guazu river and the Pirapo-mi stream are found in the area. In other zones of the department we can find the streams Bobo, Orory, Mitaì, Caundy, Doña Juana and Paso Pindo.
The Franciscan
missionaries helped with the process of consolidation, founding in 1686 a guarani reduction in the zone of Itape. In 1906 the IV department is created, conformed besides Villarica by Itape, Hiaty, Mbocayaty and Yataity. During the 20th century, the forestal exploitation as well as the yerva in the zone, closely bonded to the rich region of Caaguazu
, and taking into account the great importance of the urban center of Villarrica
, the train crosses from East to West a great part of the departmental territory, contributing this way of communication to the development of the department.
from the road nª2 and 7, paved until Caazapa
. From the district of Ñumi
, another way totally paved uniting it with San Juan Nepomuceno. It also has other paved roads: Villarica –Paraguari, through Felix Perez Cardozo and Coronel Martinez
, Mbocayati-Independencia
, with an extension of 50 km, and other way that unites the road 7, through Natalicio Talavera
, Troche and Colonia Blas Garay. Guaira also has air communication, telephones and telegraphics. There are also a lot of roads crossing the territory in all directions.
, with an anex of Elemental and Superion School. In the 17th century, the province of Paraguay
had in Asunción
and Villarica free courses of Grammar, Philosophy
and Santitiy, under the direction of the Franciscan
, Dominicans
, merced
, and jesuits priests.
The first teaching center sustained by the state of Villarica is in 1859, named Escuela Patria. Nowadays, the superior education in the department is represented by the Catholica University, the National and the Norte Universities. In Guaira there are also many schools and institutes, private as well as public, such as Colegio Nacional, Colegio Ortiz Guerrero, Colegio Tecnico Vocacional, Seminario Diocesano, Escuela Regional de Agricultura, Instituto Professional Femenino, Escuela de Artes y Oficios Pio XII
.
There are also various cultural centers of Initial Education (pre-school ) and Humanistic High schools as well as Technical ones. Some of them also have the Institute of Guarani Linguistics, Idelguap, which takes care of teaching the language, literature, and guarani folk. Also, with similar goals, the Ateneo of Guarani Language and Culture and Guarani Roga.
, is considered as the second city of the country. Among the social entities, cultural and sport ones, we can mention: " The Porvenir Guaireño,, " El Centro Español", " El Club de Leones", " Instituto de Cultura Hispánica", " Teatro Municipal" " Orquesta de Cámara" " Escuela Municipal de Danzas, Declamación, Oratoria, Guitarra
", " Asociación de Productores de Caña de Azúcar", " Liga Guaireña de Fútbol" y " Liga Guaireña de Basquetbol
".
In 1970 the Socioeconomical Development Center of Guaira was created, with a volunteer carácter, and formed by people and public and private entibies, which have the idea to support the economical, social and cultural development of the Department. The foundation Ybyturuzu, of environmental characteristics, has the objective the conscientization of the population of Guaira, in order to keep, protect and defend the important ecosystem where they live.
In the city there are a few radios, closed circuit of television, cable TV and channel 8. As an intangible culture, the guireños keep the repertoire of different popular miths and leyends, such as pora, pombero, jasy jatere, kurupi, urutau,karau, jakare, among others. Among the European traditions, they have the patronal parties, day of the cross, corridas de toros, horse races, riñas de gallos.
In Villarica, the nature is a friend and a confident of the human beings who live there, or the ones who are attracted by its fame of a paradise place, who decide to wander about its geography, to know its history and to drink from its culture. One of the most widely visited places in the city is the Park Manuel Ortiz Guerrero, before 1936, Ycua Pyta. As no other place in the city, here you can feel the soul of Villarica. The calm nature of the place helps to forget from the difficult activities of daily life. It is an ideal place, for the soul and the body. The park Manuel Oritz Guerrero is located in the northeast area of the city, between the neighborhoods of Ybaroty and San Miguel.
At the beginning of the 60's a sculpture was made in the memory of the Villariquean poet. The artistic work belongs to Javier Baez Rolon. On May 8, 1983, for the 50th anniversary of his death, his ashes were moved to the park, fulfilling an ancient dream of the citizens. From that day on, under the shadow of a tree, the poet rests in peace in the land of his soul.
His poetry still vibratesunder the look of his beloved Ybytyruzu. Other cultural centers that one must visit are the Museum and the Library Maestro Fermin Lopez, where you can find personal belongings of Natalicio Talavera, Fermin Lopez, Manuel Ortiz, as well as weapons from the Chaco War
, a collection of coins and paraguayan bills, and arrows and axes made by the Indians. In the museum we can see among others, very old objects, old furniture, old machines, paintings, photographs, and different sacred art donated by the church of Villarica. In the district of Itape there is a sacred place denominated " Paso de la Virgen ", which festivity is celebrated on December 18. Its sanctuary, by the side of the Tebicuary-mi river, is visited by thousands of pilgrims during the year.
Other touristic attractions are the region of the Salto Cristal, of 43 mts high. In the hole where the water falls you can see many fish of different colors as well as a beautiful forest surrounding it. In the hill Tororo we can see the runics inscriptions, said to be from the Vikings during the pre colombine times. The lovers of the ao poi embroideries can enjoy beautiful samples in the districts of Mbocayaty
and Yataity
.
, first governor of Paraguay. Representative of the joining of two civilizations; the Spanish and the guarani.
Manuel Ortiz Guerrero
(1899–1933) The biggest and most widely known of the guaireños poets. He was born, lived, and died as a poet. He made the petry the reason of his life. His poetry have entered to the depths of the national soul. The guaireñan land put its aroma and charm, and he gave back his poetry, transformed into light. His life was an example of dignity, fight and correction.
Natalicio de María Talavera
(1839–1867) Initial figure of the paraguayan parnassus. He was a representative of the true intellectuals in moments when the poetry in Paraguay was just beginning. His work is presented under the form of scattered fragments. The War of the Triple Alliance
ate up a great part of it. Talavera was not a poet with an easy and simple life. He lived the tragedy of the nation, and sang to it with a great feeling and depth.
Ramón Indalecio Cardozo (1877–1943) Master and support of a new educational system, where the children were formed in a truthful environment. He was also a support for the School Nueva Era. Between 1921–1934, and as a recognition of his sacrifice and work towards the teaching in his native town Villarica, he finally occupies the Presidency of the National Council of Education and the General Direction of Schools.
Efraím Cardozo
(1909–1973) He was known as the richest and most systematic paraguayan historian. He was a journalist, writer, professor and politician. He represented Paraguay in key moments of its history, such as the signig of the treaty of Peace and borders with Bolivia. He published many books on paraguayan history.
Félix Pérez Cardozo
(1908–1953) He was born in the town of Yhaty, today known as Felix Perez Cardozo, as an homage to the important Harps player. He learned to play the harp from anonimus old harpists from the region. His special quality in playing the instrument, together with his strong personality gave him the chance to visit and conquer cultural centers from different countries: Argentina
, Uruguay
, Chile
. He as considered the richest composer in Paraguay. We can count 87 musical compositions, among polcas, guaranias, songs, galopas, milongas, zambas, cuecas, boleros, tangos and chacareras.
Department (subnational entity)
Department is the name given to the administrative and political subdivisions of many countries.As a territorial unit, "department" was first used by the French Revolutionary governments, apparently to emphasize that each territory was simply an administrative sub-division of the united sovereign...
in Paraguay
Paraguay
Paraguay , officially the Republic of Paraguay , is a landlocked country in South America. It is bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. Paraguay lies on both banks of the Paraguay River, which runs through the center of the...
. The capital is the city of Villarrica
Villarrica, Paraguay
Villarrica is a city located in the middle of the Oriental Region of the Paraguayan territory, is capital of the Guairá Department. It was founded by the Spanish Captain Ruy Diaz de Melgarejo on May 14, 1570 in the old Guaira, today in Brazilian territory....
.
It covers a surface of 3846 km² (1,484.9 sq mi), with a population of 178130 inhabitants (2002).
You can get there through the Road nª8 Blas Garay. It was founded on May 14, 1570, by Ruiz Diaz de Melgarejo.
Anex
Until the 19th century (circa)it received the denomination of La Guayra o Guaira or also La Pineria (the last one for the forests of cury) the region was under the jurisdiction of Cabildo de AsunciónAsunción
Asunción is the capital and largest city of Paraguay.The "Ciudad de Asunción" is an autonomous capital district not part of any department. The metropolitan area, called Gran Asunción, includes the cities of San Lorenzo, Fernando de la Mora, Lambaré, Luque, Mariano Roque Alonso, Ñemby, San...
on the east of the Paraguay river until the line of the Tratado de Tordesillas. This place was also site of the first great jesuists missions of Guayra, having the borders around the north limits, the Paranapanema river, or according to other versions, the Tiete river, and the Iguazu river on the south.
So, it used to be called Guayra o Guaira, to the big territory that nowadays corresponds to the state of Parana, around the 16th and 18th centuries, there were cities which were founded by Spanish people (Ontiveros, Ciudad Real del Guayra, Villa Rica del Espiritu Santo) and some reductions founded by Jesuits, also under the Spanish jurisdiction, such as San Ignacio Guazu, Santa Maria del Iguazu
(actual Foz do Iguacu
Foz do Iguaçu
Foz do Iguaçu is the 7th largest city in Paraná state, Brazil, with a population of 255,900 inhabitants. It is located approximately 650 km west of Curitiba, Parana's capital city, being the westernmost city in that state...
) Pirapo
Pirapó
Pirapó is a municipality of the western part of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The origin of the name comes from the Tupi language. It is located 563 km west of the state capital of Porto Alegre and northeast of Alegrete....
, Loreto,etc.
Such cities were devastated by the malocas of bandeirantes ensalveries from São Paulo
São Paulo
São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil, the largest city in the southern hemisphere and South America, and the world's seventh largest city by population. The metropolis is anchor to the São Paulo metropolitan area, ranked as the second-most populous metropolitan area in the Americas and among...
, having to migrate great part of the population to the west of the Parana river (were Villa Rica was re founded-the actual Villarica-) or to the south of the Iguazu river (were San Ignacio was re founded-with the name of San Ignacio Mini- and Loreto among others).
The Salto del Guayra (or Salto Canendiyu-called by the Brazilians Salto das Sete Quedas, on the Paraná River
Paraná River
The Paraná River is a river in south Central South America, running through Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina for some . It is second in length only to the Amazon River among South American rivers. The name Paraná is an abbreviation of the phrase "para rehe onáva", which comes from the Tupi language...
, almost to the crossing with the parallel 24ªS, was the natural limit of the navegation of good depth of the river. Actually the Paraguayan city called Salto del Guaira, and the Brazilian Guaira, indicate approximately the place where such fall, beautiful and known, covered by the waters of the Itaipu Dam, since the 1980s.
The Brazilian occupation on the region of the Guaira was concentrated in 1870, at the end of the War of the Triple Alliance
War of the Triple Alliance
The Paraguayan War , also known as War of the Triple Alliance , was a military conflict in South America fought from 1864 to 1870 between Paraguay and the Triple Alliance of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay...
, being later baptized with the name of Guaira, to the small department located in the center of the Oriental Region, in a territory which was not included in the original Guayra.
Location
The departament is in the central area of the Oriental Region Guaira, which name comes from guai: boys and ra: place, is one of the richest departments of the country, very fertile. It limits to the north with the department of Caaguazu, to the east with Caaguazu and Caazapa, to the south with Caazapa and to the west with the department of Paraguari. A way to the hills of Caaguazu enters into the department, going from East to West, receiving the name of Monte Rosario. On the west extreme forms the hill of Villarica or Ybytyruzu. The department has 17 districts. The last one, Doctor Bottrell, was created in 1983.Districts
The department is divided in the following districts:Geography
In the department we can notice three natural zones, very well differentiated. The first one near the hills of Villarica, or Ybyturuzu, with high lands, and forests. The second one the central west, with fertile lands. In the southwest part we can find the third zone, the most fertile and populated. Its low lands are good for cattle. Besides de Ybyturuzu, we can also find the Pelado hill, Polilla, Itape, Leon, Cerrito and Tres KandúCerro Peró
Cerro Peró or Cerro Tres Kandú is a peak and the highest point of Paraguay, with an altitude of 842 metres...
, with 848 m, the highest of the country. The Guaira is surrounded by the Tebicuary river and its affluents, the Tebicuari-mi with the streams Yhaca Guazu, Yhaca-mi, Aguapety, Guazu, Tacuaras. Also the Pirapo-guazu river and the Pirapo-mi stream are found in the area. In other zones of the department we can find the streams Bobo, Orory, Mitaì, Caundy, Doña Juana and Paso Pindo.
Weather
It has a benign and healthy weather, with a temperature of 21 degrees. In the summer, the maximum is 38 degrees, in winter, the temperature goes down to 1 degree. In the months of October and November it rains a lot. During the year there are 1537 millimetres of rain.Demography
From a total of 161 991in- habitantes, 47 300 lived in the urban zone, and 114.691 in the rural areas.History
The history of the department is intimately united to the foundation and history of the main city: Villarica. The city of Villa Rica del Espiritu Santo was founded by Ruy Diaz de Melgarejo on May 14, 1570 in the ancient Guaira, today Brazilian territory. Always persecuted by the attacks of the bandeirants, the city suffers a migratory process which takes it to occupy seven different sites, before finally being established in 1682 where is now located: near the Ybyturuzu.The Franciscan
Franciscan
Most Franciscans are members of Roman Catholic religious orders founded by Saint Francis of Assisi. Besides Roman Catholic communities, there are also Old Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, ecumenical and Non-denominational Franciscan communities....
missionaries helped with the process of consolidation, founding in 1686 a guarani reduction in the zone of Itape. In 1906 the IV department is created, conformed besides Villarica by Itape, Hiaty, Mbocayaty and Yataity. During the 20th century, the forestal exploitation as well as the yerva in the zone, closely bonded to the rich region of Caaguazu
Caaguazú
Caaguazú may refer to:*Caaguazú Department, Paraguay*Caaguazú District, Paraguay...
, and taking into account the great importance of the urban center of Villarrica
Villarrica
Villarrica may refer to:*Villarrica, Paraguay - a city in Southern Paraguay*Villarrica, Colombia - a municipality in the Tolima department of Colombia*Villarrica, Chile - a city in Chile*Lake Villarrica - a lake in Chile...
, the train crosses from East to West a great part of the departmental territory, contributing this way of communication to the development of the department.
Flag
It is divided in two horizontal zones of similar dimensions. The above one, light blue, in relation with the water and the sky; the one below, red, symbolizing the grapes. Also reconfirming the range and category of the supreme hierarchies of the Catholic Church.Shield
The shield is divided in four, where you can see a typical house with colonial aspect, a natural landscape of the zone, where you can see the Ybyturuzu mountains, grapes and the sugar cane plant, as well as a book, where you can see in Roman numbers the one corresponding to the department of Guaira. Also you can see in the shield shapes referring to the natural. In the center of it you can see the synthesis of a butterfly, a reference to panambi. At the bottom of it the saying " Tradition Culture ".Economy
Guairá is a predominantly agricultural department. It is the most important producer of sugar cane in the country, with 41% of the national output. It is also the main producer of the grapevine. Other crops include cotton, soybean, maize, vegetables and fruits. The indiscriminate felling of the forests has reduced the forest activity, nevertheless, the department possesses sawmills and factories for cabinet-making etc. The industrial activity is marked by the existence of factories of wines, mills, distilleries of alcohol, footwear, industries and tanneries.Communication ways
The Departament has the road nª 8 Blas Garay, which starts in Coronel OviedoCoronel Oviedo
Coronel Oviedo is a city in Paraguay. It is the capital of the Caaguazú Department, about 150 kilometers east of Asunción.The city has a population of about 52,400 and is the hometown of president Nicanor Duarte Frutos. Coronel Oviedo is an important transit point, as it lies halfway between...
from the road nª2 and 7, paved until Caazapa
Caazapá
Caazapá is a city in Paraguay, founded in 1607, by Friar Luis de Bolaños. It is located in the Caazapá District and is the capital of the Caazapá Department...
. From the district of Ñumi
Ñumí
Ñumí is a district of the Guairá Department, Paraguay.Is located to the south of the city of Villarrica, the capital of the department, and to the east of the San Salvador district. Is connected to both by wide roads. Is about 198 kilometers away from Asunción...
, another way totally paved uniting it with San Juan Nepomuceno. It also has other paved roads: Villarica –Paraguari, through Felix Perez Cardozo and Coronel Martinez
Coronel Martínez
Coronel Martínez is a town in the Guairá department of Paraguay.- Sources :* – World-Gazetteer.com...
, Mbocayati-Independencia
Independencia, Paraguay
Independencia is a town in the Guairá department of Paraguay.- Sources :* – World-Gazetteer.com...
, with an extension of 50 km, and other way that unites the road 7, through Natalicio Talavera
Natalicio Talavera
Natalicio Talavera is a town in the Guairá department of Paraguay.- Sources :* – World-Gazetteer.com...
, Troche and Colonia Blas Garay. Guaira also has air communication, telephones and telegraphics. There are also a lot of roads crossing the territory in all directions.
Education
From the beginning of the city of Villarrica del Espíritu Santo, the education work began a special way which hasn't stopped since then. Starting in 1585 the franciscans open a convent in the city of Santa BarbaraSanta Bárbara bendita
Santa Bárbara is a traditional song of the Asturian coal miners.-The song:...
, with an anex of Elemental and Superion School. In the 17th century, the province of Paraguay
Paraguay
Paraguay , officially the Republic of Paraguay , is a landlocked country in South America. It is bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. Paraguay lies on both banks of the Paraguay River, which runs through the center of the...
had in Asunción
Asunción
Asunción is the capital and largest city of Paraguay.The "Ciudad de Asunción" is an autonomous capital district not part of any department. The metropolitan area, called Gran Asunción, includes the cities of San Lorenzo, Fernando de la Mora, Lambaré, Luque, Mariano Roque Alonso, Ñemby, San...
and Villarica free courses of Grammar, Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
and Santitiy, under the direction of the Franciscan
Franciscan
Most Franciscans are members of Roman Catholic religious orders founded by Saint Francis of Assisi. Besides Roman Catholic communities, there are also Old Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, ecumenical and Non-denominational Franciscan communities....
, Dominicans
Dominican Order
The Order of Preachers , after the 15th century more commonly known as the Dominican Order or Dominicans, is a Catholic religious order founded by Saint Dominic and approved by Pope Honorius III on 22 December 1216 in France...
, merced
Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy
The Royal, Celestial and Military Order of Our Lady of Mercy and the Redemption of the Captives also known as Our Lady of Ransom is a Roman Catholic religious order established in 1218 by St...
, and jesuits priests.
The first teaching center sustained by the state of Villarica is in 1859, named Escuela Patria. Nowadays, the superior education in the department is represented by the Catholica University, the National and the Norte Universities. In Guaira there are also many schools and institutes, private as well as public, such as Colegio Nacional, Colegio Ortiz Guerrero, Colegio Tecnico Vocacional, Seminario Diocesano, Escuela Regional de Agricultura, Instituto Professional Femenino, Escuela de Artes y Oficios Pio XII
Pope Pius XII
The Venerable Pope Pius XII , born Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli , reigned as Pope, head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City State, from 2 March 1939 until his death in 1958....
.
There are also various cultural centers of Initial Education (pre-school ) and Humanistic High schools as well as Technical ones. Some of them also have the Institute of Guarani Linguistics, Idelguap, which takes care of teaching the language, literature, and guarani folk. Also, with similar goals, the Ateneo of Guarani Language and Culture and Guarani Roga.
Art and Culture
The main guaireña city, VillarricaVillarrica
Villarrica may refer to:*Villarrica, Paraguay - a city in Southern Paraguay*Villarrica, Colombia - a municipality in the Tolima department of Colombia*Villarrica, Chile - a city in Chile*Lake Villarrica - a lake in Chile...
, is considered as the second city of the country. Among the social entities, cultural and sport ones, we can mention: " The Porvenir Guaireño,, " El Centro Español", " El Club de Leones", " Instituto de Cultura Hispánica", " Teatro Municipal" " Orquesta de Cámara" " Escuela Municipal de Danzas, Declamación, Oratoria, Guitarra
Guitarra
Guitarra may refer to:*Guitarra , a 1973 Argentine film*Gittern, a string instrument...
", " Asociación de Productores de Caña de Azúcar", " Liga Guaireña de Fútbol" y " Liga Guaireña de Basquetbol
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
".
In 1970 the Socioeconomical Development Center of Guaira was created, with a volunteer carácter, and formed by people and public and private entibies, which have the idea to support the economical, social and cultural development of the Department. The foundation Ybyturuzu, of environmental characteristics, has the objective the conscientization of the population of Guaira, in order to keep, protect and defend the important ecosystem where they live.
In the city there are a few radios, closed circuit of television, cable TV and channel 8. As an intangible culture, the guireños keep the repertoire of different popular miths and leyends, such as pora, pombero, jasy jatere, kurupi, urutau,karau, jakare, among others. Among the European traditions, they have the patronal parties, day of the cross, corridas de toros, horse races, riñas de gallos.
Tourism
Guairá has one of the most emblematic and representative cities of the paraguayan culture: Villarica.In Villarica, the nature is a friend and a confident of the human beings who live there, or the ones who are attracted by its fame of a paradise place, who decide to wander about its geography, to know its history and to drink from its culture. One of the most widely visited places in the city is the Park Manuel Ortiz Guerrero, before 1936, Ycua Pyta. As no other place in the city, here you can feel the soul of Villarica. The calm nature of the place helps to forget from the difficult activities of daily life. It is an ideal place, for the soul and the body. The park Manuel Oritz Guerrero is located in the northeast area of the city, between the neighborhoods of Ybaroty and San Miguel.
At the beginning of the 60's a sculpture was made in the memory of the Villariquean poet. The artistic work belongs to Javier Baez Rolon. On May 8, 1983, for the 50th anniversary of his death, his ashes were moved to the park, fulfilling an ancient dream of the citizens. From that day on, under the shadow of a tree, the poet rests in peace in the land of his soul.
His poetry still vibratesunder the look of his beloved Ybytyruzu. Other cultural centers that one must visit are the Museum and the Library Maestro Fermin Lopez, where you can find personal belongings of Natalicio Talavera, Fermin Lopez, Manuel Ortiz, as well as weapons from the Chaco War
Chaco War
The Chaco War was fought between Bolivia and Paraguay over control of the northern part of the Gran Chaco region of South America, which was incorrectly thought to be rich in oil. It is also referred to as La Guerra de la Sed in literary circles for being fought in the semi-arid Chaco...
, a collection of coins and paraguayan bills, and arrows and axes made by the Indians. In the museum we can see among others, very old objects, old furniture, old machines, paintings, photographs, and different sacred art donated by the church of Villarica. In the district of Itape there is a sacred place denominated " Paso de la Virgen ", which festivity is celebrated on December 18. Its sanctuary, by the side of the Tebicuary-mi river, is visited by thousands of pilgrims during the year.
Other touristic attractions are the region of the Salto Cristal, of 43 mts high. In the hole where the water falls you can see many fish of different colors as well as a beautiful forest surrounding it. In the hill Tororo we can see the runics inscriptions, said to be from the Vikings during the pre colombine times. The lovers of the ao poi embroideries can enjoy beautiful samples in the districts of Mbocayaty
Mbocayaty
Mbocayaty is a town in the Guairá department of Paraguay.- Sources :* – World-Gazetteer.com...
and Yataity
Yataity
Yataity is one of the districts of the Guairá Department, Paraguay. Is located 164 kilometers away from Asunción.This district is considered the capital of the ao po'i.-Characteristics :...
.
Notable residents
Ruy Díaz de Guzmán (1554–1629) Bold conqueror. Son of the province of Guaira. Founder of towns. Considered the first national historian. Grandson of Don Domingo Martínez de IralaDomingo Martínez de Irala
Domingo Martínez de Irala was a Spanish Basque conquistador.He headed for the Americas in 1535 enrolled in the expedition of Pedro de Mendoza and participated in the founding of Buenos Aires...
, first governor of Paraguay. Representative of the joining of two civilizations; the Spanish and the guarani.
Manuel Ortiz Guerrero
Manuel Ortiz Guerrero
- Biography:Guerrero was born at Ybaroty, a neighborhood in the city of Villarrica del Espíritu Santo, Paraguay. He was the son of Vicente Ortiz and Susana Guerrero, who died after giving birth. He was raised by his grandmother, Florencia Ortiz. He realized his first studies in a school in...
(1899–1933) The biggest and most widely known of the guaireños poets. He was born, lived, and died as a poet. He made the petry the reason of his life. His poetry have entered to the depths of the national soul. The guaireñan land put its aroma and charm, and he gave back his poetry, transformed into light. His life was an example of dignity, fight and correction.
Natalicio de María Talavera
Natalicio Talavera
Natalicio Talavera is a town in the Guairá department of Paraguay.- Sources :* – World-Gazetteer.com...
(1839–1867) Initial figure of the paraguayan parnassus. He was a representative of the true intellectuals in moments when the poetry in Paraguay was just beginning. His work is presented under the form of scattered fragments. The War of the Triple Alliance
War of the Triple Alliance
The Paraguayan War , also known as War of the Triple Alliance , was a military conflict in South America fought from 1864 to 1870 between Paraguay and the Triple Alliance of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay...
ate up a great part of it. Talavera was not a poet with an easy and simple life. He lived the tragedy of the nation, and sang to it with a great feeling and depth.
Ramón Indalecio Cardozo (1877–1943) Master and support of a new educational system, where the children were formed in a truthful environment. He was also a support for the School Nueva Era. Between 1921–1934, and as a recognition of his sacrifice and work towards the teaching in his native town Villarica, he finally occupies the Presidency of the National Council of Education and the General Direction of Schools.
Efraím Cardozo
Efraím Cardozo
Efraím Cardozo was a Paraguayan politician and historian.-Childhood and studies:Born in Villarrica, Paraguay, he spent his childhood in a noble and wise home. Son of the maestro guaireño Ramon Indalecio Cardozo and Juana Sosa, inherited from his elders the love for reading and the noble principles...
(1909–1973) He was known as the richest and most systematic paraguayan historian. He was a journalist, writer, professor and politician. He represented Paraguay in key moments of its history, such as the signig of the treaty of Peace and borders with Bolivia. He published many books on paraguayan history.
Félix Pérez Cardozo
Félix Pérez Cardozo
He was born on the November 20, 1908 to Teodoro Pérez and Cándida Rosa Cardozo in the small town of Hyaty in the state of Guairá in Paraguay. This town currently carries his name. Pérez Cardozo died on April 8, 1973 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.- Beginnings :...
(1908–1953) He was born in the town of Yhaty, today known as Felix Perez Cardozo, as an homage to the important Harps player. He learned to play the harp from anonimus old harpists from the region. His special quality in playing the instrument, together with his strong personality gave him the chance to visit and conquer cultural centers from different countries: Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
, Uruguay
Uruguay
Uruguay ,officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay,sometimes the Eastern Republic of Uruguay; ) is a country in the southeastern part of South America. It is home to some 3.5 million people, of whom 1.8 million live in the capital Montevideo and its metropolitan area...
, Chile
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
. He as considered the richest composer in Paraguay. We can count 87 musical compositions, among polcas, guaranias, songs, galopas, milongas, zambas, cuecas, boleros, tangos and chacareras.